Capt. Elizabeth A. Nelson

MSC Atlantic Commander

13 April 2023 Captain Elizabeth Nelson is a native of Tempe, AZ.  She graduated and was commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering.  She holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School.  

Her most recent sea tour was as the Reactor Officer onboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77). Prior to that, she commanded USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44), assigned to KEARSARGE ARG, in support of 2nd Fleet operations.  While in Command, GUNSTON HALL, completed Basic and Advanced training, a Board of Inspection and Survey Assessment and deployed to 6th Fleet, specifically Northern Europe and the Baltic AOR.  Other sea duty assignments include Executive Officer on GUNSTON HALL, Aft Station Officer on USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), Operations Officer on USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43), Reactor Mechanical Division Officer on USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) and Division Officer on USS RENTZ (FFG 46).  She has completed multiple deployments including 5th Fleet deployments with ENTERPRISE and TRUMAN in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and a 4th Fleet deployment with RENTZ in support of the counter-narcotics mission.  

Her shore assignments included time at Naval Reactors in Washington, DC as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director, Speechwriter to the Director, and Carrier Technical Assistant to the Deputy Director. Joint assignments include Joint Staff J-5, where she worked strategic assessments and war plans and earned Joint Qualified Officer.

She has served with units that have been recognized with numerous awards, including earning the Battle E as Commanding Officer of GUNSTON HALL, and is the recipient of following personal awards: Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Achievement Medal (two awards), and Navy Achievement Medal.